River Guide

Overview

For 40+ years NOC has led the outdoor industry, taking more guests whitewater rafting and teaching more paddlers than any other outdoor recreation company. NOC also provides top-quality aerial and trail-based adventures, wilderness medicine as well as providing unmatched retail service, food service, lodging and trip planning services. Behind NOC's rapid growth is our staff’s commitment to our five core values: lead by example, service before self, do the right thing, work hard/play hard and make it happen. These core values unite a community of leaders and pioneers in an exciting, fun and always changing work environment.

NOC career opportunities offer prospects rare opportunities to work in beautiful locations, to grow their skills and to share a passion for active outdoor recreation. Ideal candidates are leaders in the work place that wish to join a unique, values-driven organization. They aspire to excellence in their fields and disciplines and they demonstrate a commitment to the service of others. Above all, they want to provide visitors with unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors. If this sounds like you, we hope you'll apply to join the NOC team.

Job Summary:

Come and spend your summer on the river at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)! The position of River Guide is a great opportunity to work on a new technical skill-set while growing your leadership, communication and teamwork skills.

NOC Raft Guides work on one of seven different rivers: the Nantahala, French Broad, Pigeon, Ocoee, Nolichucky, Chattooga and Chattahoochee. River Guide applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to their start date, and have current CPR and First Aid certifications. This is a physically demanding position and is classified as summer seasonal. We ask that applicants have 2 1/2 - 3 months of uninterrupted availability during our summer months.

Applicants without prior commercial rafting experience are strongly encouraged to attend NOC Raft Guide School during the spring; preferential consideration for employment is given to Guide School graduates. For more information or to sign up for Guide School, visit http://noccareers.com/guide-school/.

Responsibilities

Guide through rapids with crews of varying size, age, and number; understanding and implementing risk-reduction in navigation, communication, and decision-making

Communicate with guests about local area information, other NOC activities and offerings, river and trip information, and providing general entertainment

Provide top-notch guest service to all guests, before, after, and during their trip

Other tasks as assigned and based on qualifications, such as: driving vehicles, repair and maintenance of gear or facilities, guest check-in, and assisting other NOC departments

Qualifications

Applicants for a River Guide position at NOC should exhibit:

Effective communication skills and the ability to motivate small and large groups

A strong sense of guest service

Accountability for one's actions and performance

Enthusiasm about teaching and sharing outdoor activities with others

The ability to take direction from supervisors and managers

Good judgement in decision-making

The ability to work well under pressure and be able to respond quickly to emergencies with appropriate judgement

A can-do attitude and ability to work in a teamwork-based environment

The ability to speak clearly and with authority while guiding

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

Must be physically capable of maneuvering rafts for the duration of the season both on the water by steering and guiding and on land by carrying and lifting

Applicants should be able to lift 50lbs

Applicants should be comfortable sitting and standing for long periods of time as well as able to bend, stoop and twist

Applicants should be comfortable working outside in varying weather conditions

Preferred Training:

Basic First Aid & CPR are required prior to beginning work and this certification must be obtained through a classroom setting.

Wilderness First Aid or higher is encouraged.

(Please note, online First Aid & CPR are not acceptable as per our river permit agreements.)

Preferential consideration is given to those who have attended NOC's Guide School.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to provide a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of this position. As the nature of business demands change, so too may the essential functions of this position.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any and all terms, conditions or privileges of employment including hiring, promotions, termination, training and compensation. The NOC does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic condition or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, where applicable. Furthermore, the NOC is committed to a work environment free of discrimination and harassment through respecting and valuing the diversity among employees and all those with whom the NOC does business.